A CLUB FOR SOLDIERS

Evening Star, Issue 15929, 8 October 1915, Page 3

A CLUB FOR SOLDIERS

OFFICIALLY OPENED. Last night the Soldiers’ Club, which the Otago (Soldiers and Dependents’ W’ePare Committee had planned, and in the formation ot which Mr R. K. Saigyod had so generously assisted, was launched amid pleasant surroundings at the Y.M.C.A. Rooms. Thu proceedings took place in tile spacious gymnasium, which had been hellagged and otherwise decorated most tastefully, and though the Holding capacity of the room was not greatly taxed, the gathering was distinctly a representative one. The number of returned sold wits present was small, but the reason for this might perhaps be sought in the opinion expressed by Captain Fleming in the course of his speech—that " soldiers are bashful creatures.” Ills Worship the Mayor, as chairman of the Otago (soldiers arid Dependents’ Welfare Committee, presided, and the other speakers occupied seats on the platform. The Chairman said that he had the honor of presiding at tile inauguration of what he .hoped would be one of the greatest boons they had ever had in tho City of Dunedin. All must deeply realise the debt of gratitude- owed to those men who had, with great self-sacrifice, come forward to fight in the cause of right and truth. Wo were proud of them because they had offered their set vices, but prouder still of the magnificent manner in which they had carried out the duties they had been called upon to do. Those citizens who had been unable- to take an active part felt compelled to do their utmost for the men who had fought- so well. With this object in view the (Soldiers’ Club had been inaugurated. A large number of apologies for non-attendance had been received, including one from the Hon. Jas. Allen. The National Executive of the YUM.(LA. had also sent their best wishes for the success of the club. The establishment of the club was hugely due to the generosity of one of our citizens, Mr I*. 11. Sargood—(applause)—who had wired ox pressing regret at being unable to lie present, at the opening, congratulating the citizens upon co-operating with the committee in the undertaking, and wishing it every success. Dunedin, continued His Worship, was blessed in having a number of generous and devoted citizens, and Mr Sargood. by bis magnificent generosity, bad made it possible to equip and open tho club without calling upon anyone for funds. He had undertaken tho whole responsibility. The success of the club depended upon the men themselves, and he felt confident that this could safely be left to those who had done so well on the field. Returned soldiers to the number of 92 were in Dunedin and the vicinity, and the committee felt that the least they could do was to provide for these men a little home for themselves. (Applause.) Colonel J. Cowio-Nichols, V.D., said that any effort for tho welfare of tho soldiers must meet with the approval of everyone. It had been a grief to him when tlie men began coming back wounded and sick to know that no provision had been made for a meeting place for the men. It was a relief to think that this had now been arranged. Convalescent men wanted a place where they could “ laze ” and road, a. place where there were not too many restrictions, and he understood that is what they would get in the Soldiers’ Club. He congratulated the soldiers upon having such a club, and hoped that by their soldierly and orderly bearing they would ‘ show their appreciation of what had been done for them. (Applause.) The Rev. J. H. Lang, on behalf of the National Committee of the Y.M.C.A. of Australia and New Zealand, expressed his pleasure at being present at the inauguration of the club. Everywhere, said Mr Lang, the Y.M.C.A. were seeking to serve the troops, and their organisation had been severely tested since the beginning of tlie war". The association were heart and soul with this movement of social service to the troops of the British Empire, and to-day had over 1,000 •secretaries at the various theatres of war. Wherever British troops went Y.M.C.A. men and Y.M.C.A. equipment went with them ; indeed, the association’s equipment was always the first on the ground. Since the war began tlie associations in Australasia had expended some £20,000 in this mission. Mr Lang went on to speak ol the loyalty of India and of the provision made for the comfort and amusement of the Indian troons at the front by the Y.M.C.A. In opening tins club, the association wanted the soldiers to led that it was their own; it was theirs because they deserved it. because they bad earned it. All bad paid the price when they enlisted ; some, the sick and wounded, had paid a still bigger price. (Applause.) ’ ' Mr H. K. W ilkinson said a few winds in regard to tho Y.M.C.A. work in Dunedin. and concluded by stating that although the association had not been lone established in New Zealand 800 of their members had volunteered for the front. (Applause.) He extended the heartiest of welcomes to the soldiers to the. club and to the association rooms.

I he Chairman thou introduced Captain W. .Fleming, who. he said., was one of the first to respond when the call of Empire came. in doing his duty to his King and country Captain Fleming had been wounded, and in welcoming him hack they were pleased to know that he was improving. Thcv hoped he would still be able to do good work in the cause of the Empire, though debarred from taking further part in the- fighting. Captain Fleming, who was accorded a very hearty reception. expressed the opinion that the idea of a. Soldiers’ Club was a particularly good one. The men who had come hack were not too strong, and they would appreciate being able to retire to a comfortable smoke room such as that provided. Soldiers were bashful creatures, and this no doubt accounted for the small number present that night, but he was sure that as time went on and those who used the chib told their fellows of its great advantages there would be plenty of members.

The speeches were interspersed with vocal and instrumental items, which were all particularly well rendered bv wellknown performers, and greatly appreciated. Those who contributed to the programme were Mr E Drake, Mrs R. A. Power. Mr p. Desmoulins,' Mr \V. f; Oemmell, and Mr .1. Leech. The Bristol Orchestra added to the evening'-, enjoyment by playing -ome excellent seh'c tions. Miss Bell ami Miss Wood shared the honors as accompanists. At the conclusion of the sot programme refreshments were served, ami a pleasant social chat was indulged in.